How Steady Returns Are Changing Wealth Creation for Australians

Australia’s wealth creation story is changing. For decades, many Australians faced high barriers to investing, from large minimum deposits to complex products. Many believed wealth was built only through high-risk strategies. Yet the most meaningful gains come from steady, predictable returns combined with easy access to investment opportunities.

Managing capital through multiple market cycles brings a constant reminder of what investors value most: reliability over spectacle.

That point crystallised for me recently at an investor forum, where presenters relied on complex models and high-production presentations to illustrate projected returns. My own contribution was far simpler. A near-straight line showing interest paid to investors in the GPS Invest Pooled Fund over the past five years lacked visual drama, but it told a clearer story about consistency and long-term wealth creation. 

When I apologized for being boring, someone called from the back, probably a GPS Invest investor helping me out, noting that the fact that the GPS Pooled Fund has not incurred any retail capital losses in its history, is not boring. Initially, I worried I had let investors down. In the following days, our team was inundated with new enquiries. This experience showed that Australians value reliability and disciplined wealth growth over flashy presentations. It reinforced what I have long known: steady returns are exactly what our investors demand and appreciate. 

Predictable Returns Build Long-Term Wealth

Consistent returns may not make headlines, but they are essential for long-term wealth creation. The latest Investment Trends data show retail investors in Australia expect around 6.3% annual returns from domestic stocks, highlighting demand for predictable investment returns

Steady growth allows Australians to plan for retirement, buy a home, or fund education while avoiding volatile, high-risk strategies. The launch of Arkus, another pooled fund, extends this philosophy to a broader audience. It offers a target return of 6.5% per annum, paid monthly, with flexible contributions, and a low entry point. 

Flexibility Makes Investing Accessible

Flexible investment options are changing how everyday Australians can grow their wealth. Arkus allows people to invest in property-backed mortgage loans from as little as $1, with the ability to contribute weekly, fortnightly, or monthly and monitor their progress at their own pace.

Everyday Australians are already benefiting. Emma from Wynnum, said she never thought investing was for her. Through Arkus, she and her family, including her two teenagers, are steadily building wealth and learning about long-term financial growth. “Arkus is about lowering the barriers to smart investing,” said Shelby Clark, COO of GPS. “Everyone, not just experienced investors, should have the opportunity to grow their money through real assets.”

Redefining wealth creation for everyday Australians

The combination of reliable returns and flexible access is reshaping wealth creation in Australia. With Arkus, Australians can start small, grow steadily, and maintain control over their funds. Platforms like Arkus empower everyday Australians to participate in the market with confidence, discipline, and clarity, transforming how they approach long-term financial growth.

For three decades, GPS has delivered property-backed mortgage investments with no retail investor capital losses. Now, through Arkus, that reliability is available to a new generation of investors, proving that steady returns paired with accessible investing options can fundamentally change wealth creation in Australia.

• Richard Woodhead, Chairman & Managing Director of GPS Investment Fund (GPS)